ringing or buzzing in the ears. Tinnitus may be caused by any of a number of ear conditions, including the clogging of the external auditory canal with earwax (cerumen) or inflammation of the eardrum membrane, the middle ear, or the inner ear. Tinnitus may also result from an overdose of drugs such as aspirin or from excessive use of the telephone, and it may accompany hearing loss, particularly in the high-frequency range. Ringing in the ears also sometimes accompanies vertigo (dizziness).